to General Grant. I resolved, however, to send Major Eckert forward with
his message, and accordingly telegraphed General Grant as follows, to wit:
EXECUTIVE MANSION WASHINGTON, January 13, 1865 (Sent at 1.30 P.M.)
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Va.:
A messenger is coming to you on the business contained in your despatch.
Detain the gentlemen in comfortable quarters until he arrives, and then
act upon the message he brings as far as applicable, it having been
made up to pass through General Ord's hands, and when the gentlemen were
supposed to be beyond our lines.
A. LINCOLN.
When Major Eckert departed, he bore with him a letter of the Secretary of
War to General Grant, as follows, to wit:
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., January 30, 1865.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, Commanding, etc.
GENERAL:--The President desires that you will please procure for the
bearer, Major Thomas T. Eckert, an interview with Messrs. Stephens,
Hunter, and Campbell, and if on his return to you he requests it pass them
through our lines to Fortress Monroe by such route and under such
military precautions as you may deem prudent, giving them protection and
comfortable quarters while there, and that you let none of this have any
effect upon your movements or plans.
By order of the President: EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
Supposing the proper point to be then reached, I dispatched the Secretary
of State with the following instructions, Major Eckert, however, going
ahead of him:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, January 31, 1865.
HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State:
You will proceed to Fortress Monroe, Va., there to meet and informally
confer with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell on the basis of my
letter to F. P. Blair, Esq., of January 18, 1865, a copy of which you
have.
You will make known to them that three things are indispensable, to Wit:
1. The restoration of the national authority throughout all the States.
2. No receding by the Executive of the United States on the slavery
question from the position assumed thereon in the late annual message to
Congress and in preceding documents.
3. No cessation of hostilities short of an end of the war and the
disbanding of all forces hostile to the Government.
You will inform them that all propositions of theirs not inconsistent
with the above will be considered and passed upon in a spirit of sincere
liberality. You will hear all they may choose to say and report it to me.
You will not assume to definitely consummate anything.
Yours, etc.,
A. LINCOLN.
On the day of its date the following telegram was sent to General Grant:
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., February 1,1865 (Sent at 9.30 A.M.)
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Va.:
Let nothing which is transpiring change, hinder, or delay your military
movements or plans.
A. LINCOLN.
Afterwards the following despatch was received from General Grant:
OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH WAR DEPARTMENT. The following
telegram received at Washington, 2.30 P.M., February 1, 1865, from City
Point, Va., February 1, 12.30 PM., 1865:
"His EXCELLENCY A. LINCOLN, President United States:
"Your despatch received. There will be no armistice in consequence of the
presence of Mr. Stephens and others within our lines. The troops are kept
in readiness to move at the shortest notice if occasion should justify it.
"U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General."
To notify Major Eckert that the Secretary of State would be at Fortress
Monroe, and to put them in communication, the following despatch was sent:
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., February 1, 1865.
MAJOR T. T. ECKERT, Care of General Grant, City Point, Va.:
Call at Fortress Monroe and put yourself under direction of Mr. S., whom
you will find there.
A. LINCOLN.
On the morning of the 2d instant the following telegrams were received by
me respectively from the Secretary of State and Major Eckert:
FORT MONROE, VA., February 1,1865. 11.30 PM.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
Arrived at 10 this evening. Richmond party not here. I remain here.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
CITY POINT, VA., February 1, 1865. 10 P.M.
HIS EXCELLENCY A. LINCOLN, President of the United States: I have the
honor to report the delivery of your communication and my letter at
4.15 this afternoon, to which I received a reply at 6 P.M., but not
satisfactory.
At 8 P.M. the following note, addressed to General Grant, was received:
CITY POINT, VA., February 1, 1865
"LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT.
"SIR:--We desire to go to Washington City to confer informally with the
President personally in reference to the matters mentioned in his letter
to Mr. Blair of the 18th January ultimo, without any personal compromise
on any question in the letter. We have the permission to do so from the
authorities in Richmond.
Very respectfully yours,
ALEX. H. STEPHENS R. M. T. HUNTER. J. A. CAMPBELL."
At 9.30 P.M. I notified them that they could not proceed further unless
they complied with the terms expressed in my letter. The point of meeting
designated in the above note would not, in my opinion, be insisted
upon. Think Fort Monroe would be acceptable. Having complied with my
instructions, I will return to Washington to-morrow unless otherwise
ordered.
THOS. T. ECKERT, Major, etc.
On reading this despatch of Major Eckert I was about to recall him and the
Secretary of State, when the following telegram of General Grant to the
Secretary of War was shown me:
OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH, WAR DEPARTMENT.
The following telegram received at Washington 4.35 A.M., February 2, 1865,
from City Point, Va., February 1, 10.30 P.M., 1865:
"HON. EDWIN M. STANTON, "Secretary of War:
"Now that the interview between Major Eckert, under his written
instructions, and Mr. Stephens and party has ended, I will state
confidentially, but not officially to become a matter of record, that I
am convinced upon conversation with Messrs. Stephens and Hunter that their
intentions are good and their desire sincere to restore peace and union.
I have not felt myself at liberty to express even views of my own or to
account for my reticency. This has placed me in an awkward position, which
I could have avoided by not seeing them in the first instance. I fear now
their going back without any expression from anyone in authority will have
a bad influence. At the same time, I recognize the difficulties in the way
of receiving these informal commissioners at this time, and do not know
what to recommend. I am sorry, however, that Mr. Lincoln can not have an
interview with the two named in this despatch, if not all three now within
our lines. Their letter to me was all that the President's instructions
contemplated to secure their safe conduct if they had used the same
language to Major Eckert.
"U.S. GRANT "Lieutenant-General."
This despatch of General Grant changed my purpose, and accordingly I
telegraphed him and the Secretary of State, respectively, as follows:
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., February 2, 1865. (Sent at 9 A.M.)
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Va.:
Say to the gentlemen I will meet them personally at Fortress Monroe as
soon as I can get there.
A. LINCOLN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., February 2, 1865. (Sent at 9 A.M.)
HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Fortress Monroe, Va.:
Induced by a despatch from General Grant, I join you at Fort Monroe as
soon as I can come.
A. LINCOLN.
Before starting, the following despatch was shown me. I proceeded,
nevertheless:
OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH, WAR DEPARTMENT.
The following telegram received at Washington, February 2, 1865, from City
Point, Va., 9 A.M., February 2, 1865:
"HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Fort Monroe:
"The gentlemen here have accepted the proposed terms, and will leave for
Fort Monroe at 9.30 A.M.
"U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General."
(Copy to HON. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington.)
On the night of the 2nd I reached Hampton Roads, found the Secretary of
State and Major Eckert on a steamer anchored offshore, and learned of
them that the Richmond gentlemen were on another steamer also anchored
offshore, in the Roads, and that the Secretary of State had not yet seen
or communicated with them. I ascertained that Major Eckert had literally
complied with his instructions, and I saw for the first time the answer of
the Richmond gentlemen to him, which in his despatch to me of the 1st he
characterizes as "not satisfactory." That answer is as follows, to wit:
CITY POINT, VA., February 1, 1865. THOMAS T. ECKERT, Major and
Aid-de-Camp. MAJOR:-Your note, delivered by yourself this day, has been
considered. In reply we have to say that we were furnished with a copy of
the letter of President Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Esq., of the 18th
of January ultimo, another copy of which is appended to your note. Our
instructions are contained in a letter of which the following is a copy:
"RICHMOND, January 28, 1865. "In conformity with the letter of Mr.
Lincoln, of which the foregoing is a copy, you are to proceed to
Washington City for informal conference with him upon the issues involved
in the existing war, and for the purpose of securing peace to the two
countries. "With great respect, your obedient servant, "JEFFERSON DAVIS."
The substantial object to be obtained by the informal conference is to
ascertain upon what terms the existing war can be terminated honorably.
Our instructions contemplate a personal interview between President
Lincoln and ourselves at Washington City, but with this explanation we are
ready to meet any person or persons that President Lincoln may appoint at
such place as he may designate.
Our earnest desire is that a just and honorable peace may be agreed
upon, and we are prepared to receive or to submit propositions which may
possibly lead to the attainment of that end.
Very respectfully, yours,
ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS.
R. M. T. HUNTER.
JOHN A. CAMPBELL.
A note of these gentlemen, subsequently addressed to General Grant, has
already been given in Major Eckert's despatch of the 1st instant.
I also here saw, for the first time, the following note, addressed by the
Richmond gentlemen to Major Eckert:
CITY POINT, VA., February 2, 1865. THOMAS T. ECKERT, Major and
Aid-de-Camp. MAJOR:--In reply to your verbal statement that your
instructions did not allow you to alter the conditions upon which a
passport could be given to us, we say that we are willing to proceed to
Fortress Monroe and there to have an informal conference with any person
or persons that President Lincoln may appoint on the basis of his letter
to Francis P. Blair of the 18th of January ultimo, or upon any other terms
or conditions that he may hereafter propose not inconsistent with the
essential principles of self-government and popular rights, upon which our
institutions are founded.
It is our earnest wish to ascertain, after a free interchange of ideas and
information, upon what principles and terms, if any, a just and honorable
peace can be established without the further effusion of blood, and to
contribute our utmost efforts to accomplish such a result.
We think it better to add that in accepting your passport we are not to
be understood as committing ourselves to anything but to carry to this
informal conference the views and feelings above expressed.
Very respectfully, yours, etc.,
ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS, J. A. CAMPBELL, R. M. T. HUNTER.
Note.-The above communication was delivered to me at Fort Monroe at 4.30
P.M. February 2 by Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock, of General Grant's staff.
THOMAS T. ECKERT Major and Aid-de-Camp.
On the morning of the third the three gentlemen, Messrs. Stephens, Hunter,
and Campbell, came aboard of our steamer and had an interview with the
Secretary of State and myself of several hours' duration. No question
of preliminaries to the meeting was then and there made or mentioned; no
other person was present; no papers were exchanged or produced; and it
was in advance agreed that the conversation was to be informal and
verbal merely. On our part the whole substance of the instructions to the
Secretary of State hereinbefore recited was stated and insisted upon, and
nothing was said inconsistent therewith; while by the other party it was
not said that in any event or on any condition they ever would consent
to reunion, and yet they equally omitted to declare that they never would
consent. They seemed to desire a postponement of that question and the
adoption of some other course first, which, as some of them seemed to
argue, might or might not lead to reunion, but which course we thought
would amount to an indefinite postponement. The conference ended without
result.
The foregoing, containing, as is believed, all the information sought is
respectfully submitted.
A. LINCOLN.
MESSAGE TO THE SENATE. WASHINGTON, February 10, 1865
To THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the eighth instant,
requesting information concerning recent conversations or communications
with insurgents, under executive sanction, I transmit a report from the
Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred.
A. LINCOLN.
TO THE PRESIDENT:
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred a resolution of the Senate
of the 8th instant, requesting "the President of the United States, if, in
his opinion, not incompatible with the public interests, to furnish to the
Senate any information in his possession concerning recent conversations
or communications with certain rebels, said to have taken place under
executive sanction, including communications with the rebel Jefferson
Davis, and any correspondence relating thereto," has the honor to report
that the Senate may properly be referred to a special message of the
President bearing upon the subject of the resolution, and transmitted to
the House this day. Appended to this report is a copy of an instruction
which has been addressed to Charles Francis Adams, Esq., envoy
extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States at London,
and which is the only correspondence found in this department touching the
subject referred to in the resolution.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, February 10, 1865.
MR. SEWARD TO MR. ADAMS.
(Extract.) No. 1258.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, February 7,1865
On the morning of the 3d, the President, attended by the Secretary,
received Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell on board the United
States steam transport River Queen in Hampton Roads. The conference was
altogether informal. There was no attendance of secretaries, clerks, or
other witnesses. Nothing was written or read. The conversation, although
earnest and free, was calm, and courteous, and kind on both sides. The
Richmond party approached the discussion rather indirectly, and at no time
did they either make categorical demands, or tender formal stipulations or
absolute refusals. Nevertheless, during the conference, which lasted
four hours, the several points at issue between the Government and the
insurgents were distinctly raised, and discussed fully, intelligently, and
in an amicable spirit. What the insurgent party seemed chiefly to favor
was a postponement of the question of separation, upon which the war is
waged, and a mutual direction of efforts of the Government, as well as
those of the insurgents, to some extrinsic policy or scheme for a season
during which passions might be expected to subside, and the armies be
reduced, and trade and intercourse between the people of both sections
resumed. It was suggested by them that through such postponement we
might now have immediate peace, with some not very certain prospect of
an ultimate satisfactory adjustment of political relations between this
Government and the States, section, or people now engaged in conflict with
it.
This suggestion, though deliberately considered, was nevertheless regarded
by the President as one of armistice or truce, and he announced that we
can agree to no cessation or suspension of hostilities, except on the
basis of the disbandment of the insurgent forces, and the restoration
of the national authority throughout all the States in the Union.
Collaterally, and in subordination to the proposition which was thus
announced, the antislavery policy of the United States was reviewed in all
its bearings, and the President announced that he must not be expected to
depart from the positions he had heretofore assumed in his proclamation
of emancipation and other documents, as these positions were reiterated in
his last annual message. It was further declared by the President that
the complete restoration of the national authority was an indispensable
condition of any assent on our part to whatever form of peace might be
proposed. The President assured the other party that, while he must adhere
to these positions, he would be prepared, so far as power is lodged with
the Executive, to exercise liberality. His power, however, is limited by
the Constitution; and when peace should be made, Congress must necessarily
act in regard to appropriations of money and to the admission of
representatives from the insurrectionary States. The Richmond party
were then informed that Congress had, on the 31st ultimo, adopted by
a constitutional majority a joint resolution submitting to the several
States the proposition to abolish slavery throughout the Union, and that
there is every reason to expect that it will be soon accepted by three
fourths of the States, so as to become a part of the national organic law.
The conference came to an end by mutual acquiescence, without producing
an agreement of views upon the several matters discussed, or any of them.
Nevertheless, it is perhaps of some importance that we have been able to
submit our opinions and views directly to prominent insurgents, and to
hear them in answer in a courteous and not unfriendly manner.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
TO ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 10, 1865
REAR-ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton
Roads, Va.
SIR:--It is made my agreeable duty to enclose herewith the joint
resolution approved 24th January, 1865, tendering the thanks of Congress
to yourself, the officers and men under your command for their gallantry
and good conduct in the capture of Fort Fisher, and through you to all who
participated in that brilliant and decisive victory under your command.
Very respectfully,
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL S. POPE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, February 12, 1865
MAJOR-GENERAL POPE, St. Louis, Missouri:
I understand that provost-marshals in different parts of Missouri are
assuming to decide that the conditions of bonds are forfeited, and
therefore are seizing and selling property to pay damages. This, if true,
is both outrageous and ridiculous. Do not allow it. The courts, and
not provost-marshals, are to decide such questions unless when military
necessity makes an exception. Also excuse John Eaton, of Clay County, and
Wesley Martin, of Platte, from being sent South, and let them go East if
anywhere.
A. LINCOLN
TO THE COMMANDING OFFICERS IN WEST TENNESSEE
WASHINGTON, February 13, 1865.
TO THE MILITARY OFFICERS COMMANDING IN WEST TENNESSEE:
While I cannot order as within requested, allow me to say that it is my
wish for you to relieve the people from all burdens, harassments, and
oppressions, so far as is possible consistently with your military
necessities; that the object of the war being to restore and maintain
the blessings of peace and good government, I desire you to help, and not
hinder, every advance in that direction.
Of your military necessities you must judge and execute, but please do so
in the spirit and with the purpose above indicated.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. POPE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, February 14, 1865.
MAJOR-GENERAL POPE, St. Louis, Missouri:
Yours of yesterday about provost-marshal system received. As part of
the same subject, let me say I am now pressed in regard to a pending
assessment in St. Louis County. Please examine and satisfy yourself
whether this assessment should proceed or be abandoned; and if you
decide that it is to proceed, please examine as to the propriety of its
application to a gentleman by the name of Charles McLaran.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL POPE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON February 15, 1865.
MAJOR-GENERAL POPE, St. Louis, Missouri:
Please ascertain whether General Fisk's administration is as good as it
might be, and answer me.
A. LINCOLN.
PROCLAMATION CONVENING THE SENATE IN EXTRA SESSION,
FEBRUARY 17, 1865.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
A Proclamation
Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the Senate
should be convened at twelve o'clock on the fourth of March next to
receive and act upon such communications as may be made to it on the part
of the Executive;
Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, have
considered it to be my duty to issue this, my proclamation, declaring
that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the United States
to convene for the transaction of business at the Capitol, in the city of
Washington, on the fourth day of March next, at twelve o'clock at noon
on that day, of which all who shall at that time be entitled to act as
members of that body are hereby required to take notice.
Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at
Washington...............
A. LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
TELEGRAM TO OFFICER IN COMMAND AT HARPER'S FERRY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, February 17, 1865
OFFICER IN COMMAND AT HARPER'S FERRY:
Chaplain Fitzgibbon yesterday sent me a despatch invoking Clemency for
Jackson, Stewart, and Randall, who are to be shot to-day. The despatch is
so vague that there is no means here of ascertaining whether or not the
execution of sentence of one or more of them may not already have been
ordered. If not suspend execution of sentence m their cases until further
orders and forward records of trials for examination.
A. LINCOLN
MAJOR ECKERT: Please send above telegram JNO. G. NICOLAY.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U.S. GRANT.
WASHINGTON, D. C., February 24, 1865
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Virginia:
I am in a little perplexity. I was induced to authorize a gentleman to
bring Roger A. Pryor here with a view of effecting an exchange of him;
but since then I have seen a despatch of yours showing that you specially
object to his exchange. Meantime he has reached here and reported to
me. It is an ungracious thing for me to send him back to prison, and yet
inadmissible for him to remain here long. Cannot you help me out with it?
I can conceive that there may be difference to you in days, and I can keep
him a few days to accommodate on that point. I have not heard of my son's
reaching you.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL POPE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, February 24, 1865
MAJOR-GENERAL POPE, Saint Louis, Mo.:
Please inquire and report to me whether there is any propriety of longer
keeping in Gratiott Street Prison a man said to be there by the name of
Riley Whiting.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT. WASHINGTON, February 25, 1865
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Virginia:
General Sheridan's despatch to you, of to-day, in which he says he "will
be off on Monday," and that he "will leave behind about two thousand men,"
causes the Secretary of War and myself considerable anxiety. Have you
well considered whether you do not again leave open the Shenandoah Valley
entrance to Maryland and Pennsylvania, or, at least, to the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 27, 1865.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Virginia:
Subsequent reflection, conference with General Halleck, your despatch, and
one from General Sheridan, have relieved my anxiety; and so I beg that you
will dismiss any concern you may have on my account, in the matter of my
last despatch.